May 10, 2015
We have enjoyed a busy schedule this past several days and blogging has been secondary to such things as sleep! The difficulty is drawing out the feelings and memories of all the many experiences enjoyed as we have traveled.
The morning we left our lakeside retreat, we slipped out of bed early and drove a short distance to a wetlands area on Loch Leven. This area has been preserved for bird habitat complete with hidden blinds to watch the birds without being seen. The term used is "Hides". It was rather cold, in fact a little ice on the windshield, but very workable. We spied on a couple new species for Kathy, the Shelduck and a Lapwing. We were mostly on our own except for one gentleman, a regular, who was very informative. We returned to our B and B to enjoy a hot shower and a full breakfast.
I am hot to get back behind the wheel of our diesel hot rod, so we gathered our minimal belongings and headed for the Scone Palace. We are both overwhelmed by the depth of history so well preserved in this land. To really grasp the importance of Scone Palace you must get your head around the traditions, rituals, and perceived power of the Kings and Queens. It was at Scone Palace on a square rock called the Stone of Destiny, that the Coronation of the Royal rulers has taken place since the 9th century!
As we walked through the Palace, it was easy to image the life of the ruling families. The table was set with hand painted blue and gold porcelain with the same theme on the wallpaper, window covering, and upholstery. Very beautiful! The grounds have been maintained with the same diligence and was impressive even with a minimum of blooming flowers.
Have any of you seen the movie "Belle"? This enchanting true story of a servant girl with royal blood lines culminates with a portrait being made of her. Through a series of events, that beautiful painting hangs on the walls of Scone Place. I would highly recommend the movie as well as a read of the book Lady MacBeth. They were both part of our preparations for the history of Scotland. Another interesting read that Kathy just finished is Royal Road to Fotheringhay about the tragic life of Mary, Queen of Scots. That lady has left her imprint nearly everywhere we go!
Our route away from Scone Palace climbed out of the lush woodlands and into the more baron moors dotted with heather. We drove through a quite well developed snow skiing area with the higher peaks still displaying snow. We soon dropped down to the River Dee with many beautiful narrow stone bridges.
Our new home sits very near the Balmoral Castle, the vacation home of the Queen in August and September. We enjoyed a delightful visit with our B and B hosts who both worked on the Royal staff. Mark was one of the queen's guards and Janet a ladies maid. They both had many wonderful stories to tell.
After our evening meal, we returned home where Mark and Janet provided a wee dram of Scotch Whisky. The driving laws are very strict here. It takes very little to be legally over the limit, so enjoying our scotch in the comforts of our residence was perfect. I don't think Kathy was a real fan of the strong drink, so I helped by finishing hers!
Tim and Kathy
We have enjoyed a busy schedule this past several days and blogging has been secondary to such things as sleep! The difficulty is drawing out the feelings and memories of all the many experiences enjoyed as we have traveled.
The morning we left our lakeside retreat, we slipped out of bed early and drove a short distance to a wetlands area on Loch Leven. This area has been preserved for bird habitat complete with hidden blinds to watch the birds without being seen. The term used is "Hides". It was rather cold, in fact a little ice on the windshield, but very workable. We spied on a couple new species for Kathy, the Shelduck and a Lapwing. We were mostly on our own except for one gentleman, a regular, who was very informative. We returned to our B and B to enjoy a hot shower and a full breakfast.
I am hot to get back behind the wheel of our diesel hot rod, so we gathered our minimal belongings and headed for the Scone Palace. We are both overwhelmed by the depth of history so well preserved in this land. To really grasp the importance of Scone Palace you must get your head around the traditions, rituals, and perceived power of the Kings and Queens. It was at Scone Palace on a square rock called the Stone of Destiny, that the Coronation of the Royal rulers has taken place since the 9th century!
As we walked through the Palace, it was easy to image the life of the ruling families. The table was set with hand painted blue and gold porcelain with the same theme on the wallpaper, window covering, and upholstery. Very beautiful! The grounds have been maintained with the same diligence and was impressive even with a minimum of blooming flowers.
Have any of you seen the movie "Belle"? This enchanting true story of a servant girl with royal blood lines culminates with a portrait being made of her. Through a series of events, that beautiful painting hangs on the walls of Scone Place. I would highly recommend the movie as well as a read of the book Lady MacBeth. They were both part of our preparations for the history of Scotland. Another interesting read that Kathy just finished is Royal Road to Fotheringhay about the tragic life of Mary, Queen of Scots. That lady has left her imprint nearly everywhere we go!
Our route away from Scone Palace climbed out of the lush woodlands and into the more baron moors dotted with heather. We drove through a quite well developed snow skiing area with the higher peaks still displaying snow. We soon dropped down to the River Dee with many beautiful narrow stone bridges.
Our new home sits very near the Balmoral Castle, the vacation home of the Queen in August and September. We enjoyed a delightful visit with our B and B hosts who both worked on the Royal staff. Mark was one of the queen's guards and Janet a ladies maid. They both had many wonderful stories to tell.
After our evening meal, we returned home where Mark and Janet provided a wee dram of Scotch Whisky. The driving laws are very strict here. It takes very little to be legally over the limit, so enjoying our scotch in the comforts of our residence was perfect. I don't think Kathy was a real fan of the strong drink, so I helped by finishing hers!
Tim and Kathy
Wow! I continue to be amazed by your adventuresome natures! I would have loved seeing the blue and white room and the narrow bridges. I assume you can't take pictures inside the buildings. Dave would have loved the wee dram of whisky!
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